How Elvis Changed Rock "n" Roll
Nadia Mathis
How he changed Rock "n" Roll
Elvis changed the way that Rock "n" Roll was viewed by people. For teens, the genre became more oriented towards them, creating a new style that has been followed by many since. He also changed the way that adults, especially parents viewed the genre. With his gyrations and other dance moves, the genre as a whole became looked down upon by parents. He also began the frenzy of artists that is continued today, with girls going crazy to see him at concerts, excited because he was the next big thing, a concept that was rare at the time but is now commonly seen.
His Appeal
In the 1950's and 1960's, when Presley's style of Rock "N" Roll was popular, many music companies had white singers remake songs originally sung by African American singers. This created a larger audience for these songs. Although Presley began his career doing this, he also made his own songs which he performed. This made him more popular along with his stage presence. He put on a show for viewers, making his shows active and entertaining, gaining the approval of many, while also losing the approval of older audiences.
Roots of Rock "N" Roll and Rhythm and Blues
The genre of Rock "n" Roll originated in the 1940's after World War II. This genre was marked by the combination of blues, jump blues, jazz, gospel music, western swing, and country music in order to create a new more energizing style of music that attracted many people. This style rose in the Southern and Midwestern States as white and black people began to come in closer encounters in growing urban cities. This combination led to the mixture of music styles leading to Rock "n" Roll.
Elvis Presley vs Michael Jackson
Twenty years after Elvis Presley and the new Rock "n" Roll genre, a Rhythm & Blues artist by the name of Michael Jackson began performing. Though his style of music was very different from Presley's, in that it had more African American style influence, his performances took obvious inspiration from Presley. This influence is especially seen in Jackson's performances, which included similar gyrations and entertaining aspects in order to make singing more of an act than seen before Presley.
Elvis Today
Many people still listen to Elvis today, popular hits such as hound dog are heard by many at young ages, making the name of Elvis familiar to everyone over 50 years after the release of the song. He is still popular today because of the influence and roll that he has played on hundreds of artists since him. Some of the artists that have been influenced by him include Michael Jackson, Elton John, Queen, and The Rolling Stones. Most of the influence that they gathered from Elvis are seen in their performances. The entertaining style of entertaining that Elvis began is still continued today.
Elvis Presley - Hound Dog 1956